Bridgeville– The Delaware State Police have arrested a Federalsburg, MD man for drug and weapon charges after he was found to be driving under the influence.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at approximately 11:23 p.m. when Troopers were dispatched to the intersection of Evans Drive and Iris Field Lane in reference to a check on the welfare complaint.  Upon arrival, Troopers located a black Hunyadi Electra, stopped in the middle of the intersection, with front end damage, and the driver passed out behind the wheel.  Contact was made with the driver, identified as 19 year-old Gregory A. Dukes, and an odor of marijuana was detected.

Further investigation revealed that the Electra was traveling southbound on Sussex Highway, when it exited the roadway and struck a ditch.  The vehicle re-entered the roadway where it eventually came to a stop at the intersection of Evans Drive and Iris Field Lane.

A DUI investigation ensued and Dukes was taken into custody.  A search of his person yielded drug paraphernalia.  A search of the vehicle yielded approximately 1.4 grams of marijuana, six 1mg. Alprazolam pills, a .22 caliber revolver, a .22 caliber long rifle, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.

Dukes was transported back to Troop 5 where he was charged with the following:

• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (2 counts)
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of a Firearm while under the influence (2 counts)
• Possess/Consume a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts)
• Leaving the Scene of Property Collision Accident
• Failure to Provide Information At Collision Scene
• Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Drug

Dukes was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $12,900.00 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 083018 1643

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Bridgeville- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Bridgeville man after a pursuit led to the recovery of a stolen ATV.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at approximately 1:03 p.m., when Troopers were dispatched to the 21000 block of  Mill Park Drive for reports of an off road vehicle driving on the roadway and causing a disturbance. Upon arrival to the area, Troopers observed a black ATV.  As Troopers began to approach the ATV, the driver made a U-turn and began to flee.  A vehicle pursuit ensued and the ATV drove off the roadway and into a field where it struck a tree.  The operator jumped off the ATV and began to flee on foot.  After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody and identified as 24-year-old Tijere M. Baldwin.

Further investigation revealed that the Honda ATV was reported stolen out of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.

Baldwin was transported back to Troop 5 where he was charged with the following:

• Receiving Stolen Property Value Over $1500 (Felony)
• Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
• Resisting Arrest
• Illegal Operation of an Off Highway Vehicle
• Operating an Off Highway Vehicle on Private Property
• Operating an Off-Highway Vehicle At an Excessive Rate of Speed
• Other traffic related offenses

Baldwin was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $4,007.00 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 083018 1039

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Greenwood– The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred late last evening.

On Thursday, August 30, 2018, at approximately 1:52 a.m., Troopers responded to the 100 block of Unity Lane, for a late-reported shooting.  Upon arrival, Troopers learned that a 55-year-old male had been shot in his lower extremity, on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 sometime between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Further investigation revealed that the victim was outside of his residence when he heard a female screaming near an abandoned house.  The victim indicated that he walked towards the screaming when he observed it to be coming from inside of a dark colored pick-up truck.  The truck was parked in a driveway of an abandoned house on Unity Lane.  The victim approached the vehicle to check on the occupants when someone from inside the truck fired a single gunshot.

The victim returned to his residence where he later realized he had been shot.  The victim was transported to a local area hospital where he is being treated for a single gun shot wound.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit.  If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to please contact Troop 3, Detective D. Blomquist at 302-698-8426. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov. 

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 083018 0809

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Harbeson/Milton- The Delaware State Police have arrested two suspects in connection with illegal drug activity.

On Tuesday, August 28, 2018, members of the Sussex County Drug Unit and Governor’s Task Force concluded a three week long drug investigation.  The Delaware State Police executed two search warrants at residences in the 22000 block of Harbeson Road and 28000 block of West Springside Drive.

Upon the execution of the search warrant at the residence on Harbeson Road, three subjects were located inside.  Two of the subjects were taken into custody without incident.  While in the process of the third subject, 50-year-old Robert Knox, being taken into custody, he proceeded to obtain a handgun that was in arms reach.  A struggle over the weapon ensued which led to two Troopers discharging their divisionally issued handgun.

Robert Knox was transported to the Beebe Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

The following items were seized from the residence:

• a loaded .22 caliber handgun, Ruger 9mm, Smith and Wesson 9mm, US Revolver .38 caliber handgun
• 815.82 grams of powder cocaine
• 51.93 grams of crack cocaine
• 1196.95 grams of marijuana
• 68.25 grams of crystal methamphetamine
• over $23,000 in suspected drug proceeds
• various prescription pills
• various ammunition

Andrew Knox, 82, was taken into custody and transported back to Troop 4 where  he was charged with Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited Prior Violent Crime or Felony and Maintaining a Drug Property.  He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $13,000.00 unsecured bond.

The other occupant in the residence has not been charged at this time.

Upon the execution of the search warrant at the residence on West Springside Drive, one subject was located inside and taken into custody without incident.

The following items were seized from the residence:

• over $24,000 in suspected drug proceeds
•  24.99 grams of crack cocaine
• 395.66 grams of marijuana
• a loaded Smith and Wesson .44 Magnum

Andrew Ayers, 54, was taken into custody and transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following:

• Manufactures, delivers, or possesses with intent to deliver a controlled
  substance in a Tier 4 quantity
• Possession of a Firearm/Destructive Weapon If Previously
  Convicted of A Violent Felony
• Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person
  Prohibited Prior Violent Crime or Felony
• Possesses with intent to manufacture, deliver a controlled substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Ayers was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $100,200.00 secured bond.

This case continues to remain under investigation.

*UPDATE 2* Trooper Involved Shooting with Suspect Fatally Wounded-Harbeson

*UPDATE* Trooper Involved Shooting with Suspect Fatally Wounded- Harbeson

Search Warrant Leads to Trooper Involved Shooting – Harbeson

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 082918 1756

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Laurel- The Delaware State Police continue to seek the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects wanted in connection with the homicide that occurred at Carvel Gardens.

The incident occurred on Monday, July 9, 2018 at approximately 11:44 p.m. when the Laurel Police Department with the assistance of Troop 5 patrol units responded to the area of the 200 building in Carvel Gardens Apartments for a shooting.  Upon arrival, units discovered an 18-year-old male victim from Seaford, on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim later succumb to his injuries on July 13, 2018.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is attempting to identify two black females and a light skinned black male in connection with this incident.  They are also attempting to located the pictured silver or light colored 2012-2015 Chevrolet Impala.  The incident continues to remain under investigation, and anyone with information in reference to this case is asked to please contact Detective K. Archer at 302-752-3791. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com. Crimes Stoppers offer cash rewards for information leading to an arrest.

*Update #2* – Troopers Seek Public’s Assistance Identifying Suspects in Homicide Investigation-Laurel

*Update -Victim’s Name Released* Detectives Conducting Homicide Investigation-Laurel

State Police Detectives Investigating Shooting-Laurel

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 082818 1657

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Lewes– The Delaware State Police have arrested a man from Jackson, AL for his 4th offense DUI after he was involved in two separate crashes.

On August 28, 2018, at approximately 9:47 p.m., Troopers were dispatched to Coastal Highway and Wescoats Road in reference to a crash.  Upon arrival, Troopers discovered a black GMC Yukon rolled over and the driver had fled the scene.  Two of the passengers in the Yukon were injured and transported to the Beebe Medical Center with non-life threatening injures.

Further investigation revealed that the Yukon was traveling northbound on Coastal Highway when it sideswiped a vehicle, drove into the median, and rolled over into the southbound lanes of travel.

As Troopers were investigating this crash, they were made aware of another crash that just occurred prior, involving the same Yukon.  Investigation revealed that during this crash, the Yukon had rear ended a vehicle that was stopped at the traffic light on Coastal Highway at John J. Williams Highway, and the Yukon continued northbound, fleeing the scene.

There were no injures reported by the occupants of either of the vehicles struck by the Yukon.

Based on witnesses description of the driver of the Yukon, Troopers located the subject walking in the parking lot of the Grotto’s Grand Slam located at Coastal Highway and Shady Road in Lewes.  Upon contact, Troopers detected an odor of alcohol and a DUI investigation ensued.

The driver, identified as 33-year-old Travis Lucyies, was transported back to Troop 7 where he was charged with the following:

• 4th Offense Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony)
• Vehicular Assault Second Degree Driving Under the Influence (2 counts)
• Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury
•  Leaving the Scene of Property Collision Accident
• Reckless Driving
• Driving Without a Valid License
• Driving Vehicle at Unreasonable or Imprudent Speed
• Following a Motor Vehicle Too Closely
• Multiple other related traffic offenses

Lucyies was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $11,117.00 secured bond.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 082918 1434

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New Castle – The Delaware State Police have arrested 18 year old Steffron X. Watson and 18 year old Korah Pitts, both of Salem New Jersey, in connection with two armed robberies that occurred within a thirty minute time frame, Sunday night.

The first robbery occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m., Sunday, August 26, 2018 at the Exxon gas station located at 261 S. DuPont Hwy., New Castle. Watson and Pitts entered the business wearing disguises and brandishing handguns and then confronted two employees at the sales counter. Both subjects then immediately vaulted the counter and proceeded to assault the two employees while demanding cash from the register. The employees complied with the demand by turning over an undisclosed amount of cash. After obtaining the money the suspects continued to assault the victims before fleeing on foot. Both victims sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident and were treated an area hospital.

The second robbery occurred at approximately 9:29 p.m., at the Plaza Fuel located at 194 S. DuPont Hwy., in which two masked subjects, again confirmed to be Watson and Pitts entered the business brandishing handguns and proceeded to an unstaffed sales counter. An employee within the business observed the pair as they entered and was able to remain secured in an office, successfully avoiding contact. Watson and Pitts then proceeded to remove an undisclosed amount of cash from the register along with an unknown quantity of cigarettes before fleeing the business.

Responding Troopers were able to establish a perimeter around the Plaza Fuel location which resulted in the apprehension of both Watson and Pitts who were located in a wooded area adjacent to the business. A further search of the area led to the recovery of a black airsoft handgun that was confirmed to have been used during both robberies.

Watson and Pitts were taken in to custody without incident and then transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2 where they were both charged with the following:

• Robbery 1^st Degree (2 counts)
• Attempted Robbery 1^st Degree
• Assault 2^nd Degree (2 counts)
• Wearing a Disguise during the Commission of a Felony
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (2 counts)
• Theft under $1500.00

Watson and Pitts were arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 before being committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $169,000.00 cash bail each.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 082918 1355

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Harbeson- The Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate a Trooper involved shooting that occurred earlier yesterday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:07 a.m., Tuesday, August 28, 2018, when a search warrant was executed by the Delaware State Police at a residence in the 22000 block of Harbeson Road. While Troopers were in the residence, the suspect proceeded to obtain a handgun that was in arms reach.  A struggle over the weapon ensued which led to two Troopers discharging their divisionally issued handgun.

The suspect was transported to the Beebe Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.  He has been identified as Robert Knox, 50 of Harbeson, Delaware.

This case continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit.

*UPDATE* Trooper Involved Shooting with Suspect Fatally Wounded- Harbeson

Search Warrant Leads to Trooper Involved Shooting – Harbeson

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 082918 0751

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Harbeson- The Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate a Trooper involved shooting that occurred earlier this morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:07 a.m., Tuesday, August 28, 2018, when a search warrant was executed by the Delaware State Police at a residence in the 22000 block of Harbeson Road.   Troopers entered the residence and made contact with a 50-year-old male paraplegic resident who was lying in bed.  While Troopers were in the residence, the suspect proceeded to obtain a handgun that was in arms reach.  A struggle over the weapon ensued which led to two Troopers discharging their divisionally issued handgun.

The suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to a local area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Identification is pending next of kin notification.  One of the Troopers involved in the shooting has been employed with the Delaware State Police for 8 years and the other for 7 years. One Trooper sustained minor injuries as a result of this incident.  Both Troopers have been placed on administrative leave as per Divisional Policy.

Detectives did recover a loaded handgun, drugs and other weapons from the scene.

This case continues to remain under investigation, with further details being released as they become available.

Search Warrant Leads to Trooper Involved Shooting – Harbeson

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 082818 1631

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New Castle – The Delaware State Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Devin K. Chavis, 32, of New Castle, who is wanted for multiple weapons related offenses as well as resisting arrest, stemming from an incident that occurred last week.

On Thursday, August 23, 2018 at approximately 2:44 a.m., Troopers were dispatched to the Wawa located at 4000 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle in reference to a subject, later identified as Chavis, who was being disorderly inside the business.

Upon the Troopers arrival on scene witnesses pointed out Chavis who was now seated in a vehicle in the parking lot. The Trooper made contact with Chavis and had him exit the vehicle. Once outside the vehicle Chavis refused to comply with verbal commands and a struggle ensued as the Trooper attempted to take him in to custody. During the struggle Chavis was able to break free from the Troopers grasp and then fled on foot, with the Trooper giving chase. As Chavis was fleeing he was observed by the Trooper to be in possession of a handgun. As the foot chase continued, Chavis  proceeded to climb over a concrete barrier, at which time he dropped the handgun, with it being recovered by the Trooper. Chavis was ultimately successfull in evading apprehension. The Trooper did sustain minor injuries as a result of the incident.

In addition to positively identifying Chavis, further investigation was able to determine that the recovered Sig Sauer 9mm handgun was loaded and that it had been reported as stolen out of Lee County, Florida.

Active warrants are currently on file charging Chavis with one count each of Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited, Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony, Receiving a Stolen Firearm and Felony Resisting Arrest.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Chavis are asked to contact Detective G. Biddle of the Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit at 302-365-8475 or by calling 911.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 082818 1245

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